Machines for making envelopes

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for feeding blanks in an envelope forming machine includes a rotary drum and two sets of independently resiliently mounted rollers disposed in opposite echelon arrangement for engaging the leading edges of a blank for forming a diagonal seam envelope.

United States Patent 1191 Dohnalik Oct. 23, 1973 [5 MACHINES FOR MAKING ENVELOPES [56] References Cited [75] Inventor: Joseph J. Dohnalik, Cook County, UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,850,148 9/1958 Rasmusson 198/190 2,985,274 5/l9.6l B "165 193/36 [73] Assignee: Garden City Envelope Company, y

chlcago Primary ExaminerRichard E. Aegerter 22 Filed: Apr. 19 1971 Att0rneyAlbert H. Pendleton et al.

211 Appl. No.: 135,315 [57] ABSTRACT Related U'sY'Apphcatmn D Apparatus for feeding blanks in an envelope forming Division Of 72, 1969, machine includes a rotary drum and two sets of inde- 3,635,123- Whlch IS a dlvlslo" of N- 591,995 peridently resiliently mounted rollers disposed in op- 41 1966, F o- 3,450,009. osite echelon arrangement for engaging the leading ['52] U S Cl I 271/2 edgesof a blank for forming a diagonal seam enve- I I I e n s u I s s s I e a I s s n n a 0 a n n I n s u a n I a a s 0 0 I s I s v I I e I'yl l .7 51 Int. Cl B65h 5/00 ope Y [58] Field of Search"; 198/190; 193/36; 6 Claims, 8 Drawmg Flgures Patented Oct. 23, 1973 I 3,767,184

2 Sheets-Sheet Fig. 8 200 232 234 202 234 230/ 230 202 I INVENTOR. JOSEPH .1. DOHIVAL/K A TTORNEYS 1 MACHINES FOR MAKING ENVELOPES This is a division of my application Ser. No. 791,722, filed Jan. 16, 1969 (now U.S. Pat. No. 3,635,128) which is a division of my application Ser. No. 591,995, filed Nov. 4, 1966 (now U.S. Pat. No. 3,450,009).

This invention pertains to machines for making envelopes and particularly to blank feeder apparatus adapted for use in forming large diagonal seam envelopes in high speed envelope-forming machines.

One type of a relatively large envelope which has obtained wide acceptance and use is the so-called open side diagonal seam envelope (sometimes identified as the cross-seam or baronial type envelope. There is a need for machines capable of producing such envelopes economically and at high production rates. Further, it is desirable that such machines be highly flexible for producing various modifications of these envelopes, such as with extensive and/or multicolor printing and with or without windows, and that the machines be readily adaptable for forming other types of envelopes. Due to the substantial cost of such machines, one desirable manner of obtaining the aforementioned capabilities is by providing for convenient field or operator conversion of existing high speed machines between setups for forming diagonal seam envelopes and setups for forming other types of envelopes.

A machine presently in use for forming large open side diagonal seam envelopes from appropriate blanks is the Large Open End Envelope Machine produced and sold by F. L. Smithe Machine Co., Inc., Duncansville, Penna. This machine has a production capacity on the order of 5,000-6,000 envelopes per hour. Another machine presently in commercial use for forming relatively large envelopes is identified as the Medium Open End Envelope Machine (sometimes referred to herein as the MO Machine) produced and sold by said F. L. Smithe Machine Co. Inc. This machine is capable of forming envelopes from blanks at rates on the order of about 18,000 envelopes per hour. This machine also has greater capabilities than the Large Open End Envelope Machine in several other respects, such as in applying printing to the blanks as the envelopes are being formed. However, a conventional MO machine is not capable of producing certain types of envelopes, notably diagonal seam envelopes.

It is an object of this invention to provide improvements in machines for producing envelopes. Further objects of this invention are to provide improved machines for forming large diagonal seam envelopes at high production rates; to provide improvements for increasing the flexibility of machines for forming envelopes; to provide for producing open side diagonal seam envelopes on an M type machine; and to provide improvements permitting convenient field conversion of such machines for forming various types of envelopes, including diagonal seam envelopes. Further and additional objects and advantages will appear from the description, accompanying drawings and appended claims.

For reference in discussing envelope sizes, it may be noted that a conventional MO machine is adapted for making open end center seam envelopes in sizes of about inch to about 12 inch in width and about 7 inch to about inch in length. The machine also may be used for making open end single side seam envelopes on the order of 9 inch in width. such an M0 machine modified in accordance with the present invention may be utilized for making open side diagonal seam envelopes of the same or slightly larger sizes, i.e., about 6 inch to about 12-% inch wide and about 7 inch to about 9-% inch in length.

While the invention is disclosed and described herein with respect to the production of diagonal seam envelopes on an M0 machine modified in accordance with this invention, such a modified machine is also adapted for use in forming open side double side seam envelopes (sometimes identified as booklet type envelopes) with substantially the same setup as for forming diagonal seam envelopes. Further, this modified machine may be readily converted for forming the various types of envelopes for which it is conventionally adapted. In each instance the modified machine retains its basic structure and manner of operation in that each blank is or may be moved through a seal flap gummer, a dryer, printing stations, a window cutter and a glassine applicator in a' flat, open condition, with the bottom flap at the leading edge and then through flap closing and envelope discharge apparatus.

In accordance with one illustrative form of this invention, a blank feeder apparatus is provided including a rotary feeder element with two sets of presser rollers opposed to this feeder element. Each of the sets of rollers comprises a plurality of rollers resiliently urged against the rotary element, each roller of each set being movable toward andaway from the element independently of the other rollers of that set, and with the various rollers of each set disposed along a line extending at an angle to the axis of rotation of the rotary element for simultaneously engaging an edge of a blank for forming a diagonal seam envelope. the rollers of each set may be mounted at the ends of fingers extending from an elongated arm which is resiliently urged toward the rotary element, with the various fingers being independently pivotally mounted and resiliently urged toward the rotary element.

For a more complete understanding of this invention reference should now be had to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings by way of example of the invention. In the drawings;

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a machine for making envelopes and employing teachings of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a blank for forming a large, open side diagonal seam envelope;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the blank of FIG. 2 with the side flaps folded in;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of an open end double side seam envelope;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of an improved envelope feeder element;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the element of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an end view of a portion of the feed mechanism of a machine as in FIG. 1, and employing the improved feeder element of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 8 is an elevation view of a portion of the mechanism of FIG. 7.

The invention is illustrated as applied to modify an M0 machine for forming large open side diagonal seam envelopes from appropriate blanks B, see FIG. 2. Each blank B includes a body portion 10, a seal flap 12, two side flaps l4 and 16, and a bottom flap 18. The flaps are jointed to the body portion along fold lines 12a, 14a, 16a and 18a, respectively, as illustrated.

Referring to FIG. 1, the machine 20 includes an envelope feeder 22, for instance of the general type shown in Novik U. S. Pat. No. 2,954,225. The feeder 22 feeds blanks b to conveyor belts at 24 which carry the blanks through a seal flap gummer 26. The blanks then are carried by dryer chains 28 through a drying station including heating elements 30. After drying of the adhesive on the seal flaps 12, the blanks move along the conveyor system of the upper portion of the machine where they may be subjected to suitable printing elements at the printing station 32 and/or a window cutting mechanism at 34 and a window applicator at 36. Thereafter the blanks are conveyed along the upper surface ofa flat conveying bed at 38, with the inner surface of the blank upward, the bottom flap extending in the direction of movement (to the right in FIG. 1), and the side flaps l4 and 16 extending to the sides of the blank as in FIG. 2. As they move over bed 38 the blanks pass through a side flap folding station at 40 where the side flaps are folded inwardly over the body as shown in FIG. 3, then through a gummer station 42 where adhesive is applied to the upwardly exposed edges 16b and 14b of the side flaps (see FIG. 3) and through the bottom flap folder 44 where the bottom flap 18 is folded over the body 10 with its edges overlying the gummed edges 16b and 14b and is pressed against these edges. The completed open side envelope is then removed from the machine, as by a conveyor (not shown) moving laterally of conveyor 38 at the right of the bottom flap folder 44 in FIG. 1.

Description and illustration of various components, features and envelope forming machine assemblies have been deleted from this specification in accordance with a requirement that the descriptive matter be restricted to those portions directly related to the subject matter of the appended claims. The deleted material is included in the aforementioned U.S. Pats. No. 3,635,l28 and No. 3,450,009, to which reference is made for a full and complete understanding of all features of applicants improvements.

The feed mechanism illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 is a part of a feeder of the general structure and arrangement shown in the Novick U. S. Pat. No. 2,954,225 as aforenoted. The illustrated components include a drum 200, feed belts 202, 204 and 206, with suitable support rollers as illustrated, guide arms 208, deflectors 210, a stationary shaft 212, a rocker lever 214 mounted on shaft 212, a rocker arm 216 also mounted on shaft 212, a rod 217 connecting rocker 216 with deflector 210, track cams (not shown) mounted on shaft 218 for actuating rockers 214 and 216, and arms 220 pivotally mounted on pins 222. The illustrated components, in cooperation with other elements (not shown) withdraw envelope blanks one at a time from a stack of blanks supported above drum 200 and feed these blanks between the belts 202 and 204. the belts 204 and 206, which comprise the conveyor belts 24 of FIG. 1, then feed the blanks through the seal flap gummer 26, and thereafter deliver them to the chains 28 for conveying to the drying station.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 8, there are two arms 220, comprising right and left-hand versions designated as 220 and 220'. Arm 220 is illustrated in,

greater detail in FIGS. 5 and 6. Referring thereto, a base arm 22] supports three fingers 222, 224 and 226 journaled on a lateral shaft 228. Presser rollers 230, 232 and 234 are journaled on stub shafts mounted in the outer ends of the respective fingers 222, 224 and 226. The central finger 224 is provided with a substantially square end at 227 which is disposed adajcent a corresponding surface or shoulder on the base arm 221 whereby finger 224 has rather limited pivotal movement about the axis of shaft 228. Fingers 222 and 226 are freely pivoted on shaft 228 and are urged downward, into contact with drum 200 by leaf springs 236 and 238. These springs are secured at one end to arm 220 by rivets 240, the outer end of spring 236 bearing on the outer end of finger 222 and the outer end of spring 238 bearing on the outer end of finger 226. A stud 242 is engaged by a tension spring 244 (see FIG. 7) which urges the outer end of arm 221, and thus the rollers 230, 232 and 234 toward drum 200. The mounting arrangement for the fingers 222, 224 and 226 insures that all three rollers will conform to and remain in yielding contact with the surface of the drum 200.

As will be seen in FIG. 8, arm 220 is of the same construction as arm 220 except that the three rollers 230', 232 and 234 thereon are disposed in opposite echelon arrangement. The angular arrangement of the two sets of rollers on arms 220 and 220 conforms to the included angle between the two sides of the leading edge of bottom flap 18 whereby this type of pointed flap will be engaged by all six rollers of the arms 220 and 220' for improved positive feeding of this type of blank by the feed mechanism 22.

It will be obvious that other modifications of the specific embodiment shown may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

While the illustrated machine 20 is adapted for forming diagonal seam envelopes, it readily may be converted to the formation of double side seam envelopes D (FIG. 4) by the substitution of appropriate adhesive applicator segments. An added advantage is that the machine also may be converted for use in forming other envelopes in its conventional manner of operation simply by raising the gum box unit of gummer 42 to an inactive position and utilizing the gummer normally positioned beneath bed 38 ahead of the side flap folding station 40 (to the left of folding station 40 in FIG. 1). Thus the present improvements increase the flexibility of the machine 20 by providing for its use in forming additional types of envelopes without in any way impeding or impairing its use for forming envelopes in accordance with its original design.

It will thus be seen that the aforenoted objects have been met.

While a particular embodiment of the invention has been shown, it will be understood, of course, that the invention is not limited thereto since modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings. Therefore, it is contemplated by the appended claims to cover any such modifications as incorporate those features which may be said to constitute the essential features of these improvements, within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. Envelope blank feeder apparatus for use in feeding blanks in machines for forming diagonal scan envelopes comprising a rotary feeder element and a pair of arms pivotably supported adjacent thereto, a plurality of presser rollers supported on each of said arms, each roller being supported on the respective arm for movement toward and away from said element independent of the other of said rollers on such arm, each of said rollers being yieldably urged against said element, and said rollers on each of said arms being disposed along a line extending at an angle to the axis of rotation of said element to simultaneously engage an edge of a blank for forming a diagonal seam envelope.

2. Envelope blank feeder apparatus as in claim 1 wherein each of said arms comprises an elongated member, a plurality of finger elements attached to each of said arms adjacent one end of the respective arm and each of said fingers extending outward from such attachment generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the respective arm, at least certain of said fingers being mounted for pivotal movement about such attachment to the respective arm whereby the distal ends of said fingers are movable relative to one another, one of said presser rollers being rotatably supported on the distal end portion of each of said fingers, means urging said one end of said arm toward said rotary feed element, and means urging each of said pivotally mounted fingers toward said element relative to said one end of said arm.

3. Envelope blank feeder apparatus as in claim 2 wherein each of said fingers is independently pivotally mounted on said one end of the respective arm.

4. Envelope blank feeder apparatus for use in feeding blanks in machines for forming diagonal seam envelopes comprising a rotary feeder element, two acts of presser rollers, each of said sets comprising a plurality of rollers, and means for supporting said rollers, each roller of each of said sets being supported thereby for movement toward and away from said element independent of the other of said rollers of the respective set, each of said rollers being yieldably urged against said element, and said rollers of each of said sets being disposed along a line extending at an angle to the axis of rotation of said element to simultaneously engage an edge of a blank for forming a diagonal seam envelope.

5. An assembly adapted for use in envelope blank feeders comprising an elongated arm, a plurality of finger elements each attached to said arm adjacent one end of said arm and each extending outward from such attachment generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of said arm, means mounting certain of said fingers for pivotal movement about such attachment to said arm whereby the distal ends of said fingers are movable relative to one another, a roller rotatably supported on the distal end portion of each of said fingers, said rollers being disposed along a line extending at an angle to the longitudinal axis of said arm, and means for yieldably positioning each of said certain of said fingers about such pivotal attachment to said arm relative to the remainder of said fingers.

6. An assembly adapted for use in envelope blank feeders as in claim 5 wherein said mounting means supports each of said fingers for independent pivotal movement on said one end of said arm.

UNITED; STATES PATENTQOFFICE a CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTEON" Patent No. 3,767,184 D t October I 23, 1973 Inventofl s) Joseph J. Dohnalik It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Title page inventor's address should read Chicago, Ill. Column 1,. line 14, insert closing parenthesis after envelope Column 1, line .68, "such" should' read Such Column 2, line 34, "the" should read The Column 3, line-3, "Novik" should read Novick'ff-q Column 4, line 63' (claimi'l) "scan" should read seam Column 5, line 28 (claim 4) "acts" .should read sets Signed'and 'sealedjthis lzth da'y, of'iMar ch'1974.

Attest: .m I n a v EDWARD M."FLETCHER,JRI..V 1 v v Z ARS'QW L: DANN n Attesting Officer" f w :owiass .?'f;'f.11P-a-te; t$ 

1. Envelope blank feeder apparatus for use in feeding blanks in machines for forming diagonal seam envelopes comprising a rotary feeder element and a pair of arms pivotally supported adjacent thereto, a plurality of presser rollers supported on each of said arms, each roller being supported on the respective arm for movement toward and away from said element independent of the other of said rollers on such arm, each of said rollers being yieldably urged against said element, and said rollers on each of said arms being disposed along a line extending at an angle to the axis of rotation of said element to simultaneously engage an edge of a blank for forming a diagonal seam envelope.
 2. Envelope blank feeder apparatus as in claim 1 wherein each of said arms comprises an elongated member, a plurality of finger elements attached to each of said arms adjacent one end of the respective arm and each of said fingers extending outward from such attachment generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the respective arm, at least certain of said fingers being mounted for pivotal movement about such attachment to the respective arm whereby the distal ends of said fingers are movable relative to one another, one of said presser rollers being rotatably supported on the distal end portion of each of said fingers, means urging said one end of said arm toward said rotary feed element, and means urging each of said pivotally mounted fingers toward said element relative to said one end of said arm.
 3. Envelope blank feeder apparatus as in claim 2 wherein each of said fingers is independently pivotally mounted on said one end of the respective arm.
 4. Envelope blank feeder apparatus for uSe in feeding blanks in machines for forming diagonal seam envelopes comprising a rotary feeder element, two sets of presser rollers, each of said sets comprising a plurality of rollers, and means for supporting said rollers, each roller of each of said sets being supported thereby for movement toward and away from said element independent of the other of said rollers of the respective set, each of said rollers being yieldably urged against said element, and said rollers of each of said sets being disposed along a line extending at an angle to the axis of rotation of said element to simultaneously engage an edge of a blank for forming a diagonal seam envelope.
 5. An assembly adapted for use in envelope blank feeders comprising an elongated arm, a plurality of finger elements each attached to said arm adjacent one end of said arm and each extending outward from such attachment generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of said arm, means mounting certain of said fingers for pivotal movement about such attachment to said arm whereby the distal ends of said fingers are movable relative to one another, a roller rotatably supported on the distal end portion of each of said fingers, said rollers being disposed along a line extending at an angle to the longitudinal axis of said arm, and means for yieldably positioning each of said certain of said fingers about such pivotal attachment to said arm relative to the remainder of said fingers.
 6. An assembly adapted for use in envelope blank feeders as in claim 5 wherein said mounting means supports each of said fingers for independent pivotal movement on said one end of said arm. 